De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Architecture students bagged six awards, including first place, in the ALTERCHITECTURE 2016 last February 18 at Melchor Hall, University of the Philippines – Diliman (UP-D.)

Among 43 entries from 16 schools all over the country, the team composed of Architecture students Paul John S. Carmona, Norman S. Piguing, Joana Krisette C. Gomez, Rhea Jane A. Ulip, and Ericha Golda G. Guzman showcased their talents and skills in architectural design and won first place for their entry titled “MAGKASALO.”

 

Photo courtesy of Benilda Lim

The competition, with the theme “Buhay-Bahayan: “A Relocation Development for the Multinational Riverside Community,” awarded “MAGKASALO” which was based on a housing community concept that exemplifies joint unity among individuals to achieve a particular goal. The housing structure was inspired by the idea of “salu-salo” wherein families share a common mini courtyard as a sign of the Filipino culture of having a strong sense of community and family.

Photo courtesy of Paul John Carmona

Due to the rapid change in the environment such as high urbanization and continued increase in population, this year’s competition addressed national social issues of housing which challenged aspiring architects to form a design that features sustainable and innovative solutions on land access and housing that is fit for the needs of a chosen community.

Photo courtesy of Paul John Carmona

“We were really surprised and incredibly happy and even more blessed, honored, and thankful to have won first place,” Carmona, one of the members of the winning team, said.

Moreover, five more entries from the school were included in the Top 10 namely:

• BUKLOD (3rd place) by Alvin Royce Alanib, Lord Siegfried Cejar, Patricia Anne Marasigan, and Marichu Leila Uy
• PATONG-PATONG (5th place) by Jaynelle Louise Samonte, John David Enriquez Galang, Arjay Garlan, and April Garland
• KARGOTEKTURA (6th place) by Arnold Gomez Jr, Charisse Abanto, Ailyn Villa, and Rozellia Arceo
• BAHA[Y] (9th place) by Carla Tan Faner, Jervyzelle Salcedo, Rehan Samonte, Benilda Lim, and Kryzhia M Rodriguez

• Radical Program: Uncertainty As An Opportunity For Negotiation (9th place) by Gabriel Luis Nolasco Brioso, Mariah Camille Concepcion, Kassandra Cay, Maria Franchesca Margaret Cruz, and Diana Yambao

ALTERCHITECTURE (Alter+Architecture), organized by the United Architects of the Philippines – Student Auxiliary of UP-Diliman, is an annual nationwide architectural design competition that aims to transform perspectives on the development of the environment through continual architectural innovation.